New health gadget puts Birmingham startup on international map at CES

It was a whirlwind week in Las Vegas for Birmingham startup AerBetic at the International Consumer Electronics Show earlier this month. where the company quickly became an international standout with a new wearable device for diabetics.

The AerBetic – What Is It?

The watch like gadget was developed by local entrepreneurs Arnar Thors, and Matthew Fitzgerald starting in January 2017 with concept launch with co-founder Eric Housh in July 2018. By using tiny gas sensors aimed at detecting glucose levels through exhaled breath, it detects if glucose levels are too high or low. The device then alerts the user via visual and haptic cues, as well as the AerBetic phone app.

Potential AerBetic partners and investors

Housh said they received an outstanding response at CES, receiving interest from potential partners and investors such as Apple, Samsung, FitBit, Google, Timex, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Sam’s Club and Wal Mart.

“The attention we received surpassed our expectations. There was universal enthusiasm for our product across the board.”

Eric Housh, co-founder of AerBetic

Currently, Housh said the product is advertised strictly as an alert device, not as a replacement to current diabetic testing methods. It can only be considered a medical device once approved by the FDA. Once approved, it will be definite win for diabetics with sore fingers!

National media attention

Here are some of the national attention AerBetic has received after rolling out their product at CES:

• Named  “10 CES 2019 gadgets for forward-thinking first responders” by FireRescue1

• Awarded “Best of the Best at CES” award from The Chicago Tribune and Best Reviews magazine

Besides it being pain-free, we love that it no longer requires the tedious task of proper needle disposal and expensive supplies one needs to order often, and also that it’s so portable.”

Best Reviews Magazine

• “Seven Unforgettable Inventions Unveiled at This Year’s CES” by Smithsonian Magazine

• “Products not to miss at CES” by CNBC

• Featured in Techlicious and Wired Magazine

AerBetic also won the statewide Launchpad startup competition as well as the Southern Research i6 Challenge Grant in 2018 prior to debuting at CES.

Beta testing to begin soon. Interested?

The company is about to launch Beta testing, with plans to be in production by early 2020. People interested in participating in the Beta Test can apply via the form on AerBetic’s website.

Congrats, guys! We can’t wait to see what’s in store for this Birmingham startup.